NSED 174: Contemporary Issues in Education ( 1 unit)
Fall 2014
Friday 11:30-12:30 and online
Dr. Chris Boosalis
cboosalis@ucmerced.edu
Overview:
NSED 174 is a course which involves observation in a K-12 classroom setting and
reflection on the observation with a focus on an aspect of teaching which has
current importance in the field of education. The focus for Fall 2014 is completing a
Portfolio for submission to the CalTeach Program at UC Berkeley. Assignments
include the 5 parts of the Portfolio, teaching a lesson using the 5E Lsson Plan,
assessing student learning, reflecting on teaching and learning, and developing as a
professional educator.
Assignments will be completed online. There is a mandatory meeting at the
beginning of the semester where the course format and expectations will be given
by the instructor. Each month, assignments and due dates are clearly outlined. The
instructor will give individual feedback to each student’s work. There will be a final
class meeting in which students will discuss what they learned from their
experiences.
Objectives:
1) Students will examine a topic with current importance in the field of education.
2) Students will observe how a Master Teacher in a K-12 setting addresses the issue
through his/her teaching.
3) Students will write a paper that is related to the focus topic related to their
observations in a K-12 classroom.
4) Students will keep a journal of their observations.
5) During the semester and under the guidance of their Master Teachers, students
will teach one lesson, while applying as many aspects as possible from information
learned about the focus topic.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to demonstrate
through oral and written form:
 Gain an understanding of a contemporary issue in teaching and it’s impact in
the field of education;
 Gain an understanding how a credentialed teacher addresses the issue;
 Gain an understanding of the needs of students in a K-12 classroom setting;
 Gain experience in the requirements of the every-day world of a professional
educator.
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Evaluation:
90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
60-69 =D
0-59 = F
NSED 174 (continued)
Course Requirements: All assignments are due on the date indicated by the instructor,
and may be formatted according to APA, MLA, or Chicago (Turabian) styles.
Assignments are to be typed using 12 font and spaced at 1.5 lines unless otherwise
indicated by the instructor. Points will be deducted for incorrect spelling, grammar,
syntax, or format. Points will be deducted for late assignments. ADA students are
requested to make an appointment with the instructor during the first week of class in
order to assure that necessary arrangements be made.
Academic Integrity:
Each student in this course is expected to abide by the University of California, Merced’s
Academic Honesty Policy. All assignments are to be completed by the student submitting
the work.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: The University of California Merced
is committed to ensuring equal academic opportunities and inclusion for students with
disabilities based on the principles of independent living, accessible universal design and
diversity. Students with special needs should contact Angie Cendejas
(acendejas@ucmerced.edu) or Jesus Jimenez (jjimenez22@ucmerced.edu) in the School
of Natural Sciences Office - Student Advising. Requests for academic accommodations
are to be made during the first three weeks of the semester, except for unusual
circumstances. Students are encouraged to register with Disability Services Center to
verify their eligibility for appropriate accommodations.
Course Topic:
The topic this semester is creating a Portfolio that will be used for admission to the
CalTeach program at UC Berkeley.
Schedule:
1) Due Friday, October 17: Create a lesson plan using the 5E Lesson Plan
format, found in Resources in CROPS for this course. Discuss with your
Master teacher a date between October 27 and November 12 when the
lesson can be taught. This constitutes Part 1 of the Portfolio: Planning
Instruction and Assessment. (33 points, maximum)
2) Due Friday, November 17: Complete the following sections of the Portfolio:
Instructing students and Supporting learning (Part 2) and Assessing student
learning. (Part 3) (33 points, maximum)
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3) Due Friday, November 21: Teach the lesson you planned. Complete the
following sections of the Portfolio: Reflection on Teaching and learning (Part
4) and Developing as a Professional Educator (Part 5). Post in Assignments
section of CROPS for this course. (34 points, maximum)
4) Meeting Friday, December 5: The class will meet on Friday, December 5
from 11:35-12:20 to discuss what you learned from designing the lesson,
teaching the lesson, assessing the lesson, reflecting on teaching and your
students’ learning, and your development as a professional educator.
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